Vienna – Since the beginning of 2026, between 300 and 350 ATMs in Austria have been dispensing a maximum of 200 euros per transaction instead of 400 euros. According to the Chamber of Commerce, this withdrawal limit applies to all machines operated by an independent provider; media reports identify the operator as Euronet. Economic factors explain the change, as operator revenue typically depends on the number of individual transactions. Consequently, customers need to perform two transactions to withdraw 400 euros. However, depending on the card, account type, and machine, fees may be charged twice. Individual card or account limits remain unchanged, while domestic banks continue to offer a 400-euro limit.
A withdrawal limit of 400 euros doubles the number of transactions
Independent ATM operators typically earn revenue based on the number of transactions rather than the amount dispensed. Consequently, a lower withdrawal limit can turn a single payout into two billable transactions. The Oesterreichische Nationalbank views this situation critically but lacks the specific legal authority to intervene.
Image: Shutterstock
Private operators are also permitted to charge a fee for cash withdrawals. The Chamber of Labour currently cites a figure of €1.95 per transaction for Euronet. However, this fee does not necessarily apply to every machine or every card. The ATM must display the fee before dispensing cash so that the customer can either agree to the charge or cancel the transaction.
Austrian banks stick to the €400 limit
According to the National Bank, Austria has around 8,900 ATMs. Payment Services Austria operates nearly 6,500 of these units, while other machines belong to banks and independent providers. Consequently, the 300 to 350 machines affected represent only a small fraction of the network. Nevertheless, private ATMs are frequently located in high-traffic areas or tourist regions.
According to the Economic Chamber, the lower withdrawal limit does not apply to machines operated by domestic banks. At these banks, €400 per transaction remains the standard, although some dispensing points allow for higher amounts. Furthermore, Erste Bank, Salzburger Sparkasse, and Raiffeisen Salzburg do not plan to lower their limits. The National Bank therefore does not anticipate a widespread shift to the lower limit.
National Bank Criticizes Inconsistent Limits
The 400-euro figure essentially dates back to the introduction of the euro. Since then, the industry has not generally adjusted the limit, despite significant inflation. The National Bank therefore considers an increase to be a possibility. However, varying limits make it difficult for customers to navigate the situation, as they must check the operator and the applicable terms before every withdrawal.
At the same time, cash remains particularly important in Austria. According to the OeNB, 94 percent of respondents do not wish to give it up entirely. Furthermore, banknotes and coins still account for 55 percent of all payments in brick-and-mortar retail. A planned EU regulation on cash is therefore intended to further standardize access and consumer information. Until then, however, customers must verify for themselves which operator runs an ATM and what costs apply.
Author: Blackout News
Sources: Heute (31.07.26) – ORF (30.07.26) – News (30.07.26) – Kosmo (30.07.26)